Tara Murray
New Essendon recruit Zak Johnson was getting nervous towards the end of the AFL draft on Thursday night.
As clubs had started to pass on their picks, the Northern Knights co-captain still hadn’t heard his name called out.
“It was getting to a point [of thinking maybe it wouldn’t happen] and it was getting towards the pointy end.
“I knew Essendon had that one pick and if it was anything was going to be there if my name was going to get called out.”
Johnson was right with the Bombers picking him with their final pick of the night, pick 70.
It meant nerves turned into hugs and smiles with a once of a lifetime moment.
The South Morang teenager had spoken to the Bombers pretty early on in the lead up to the draft, but knew there were no guarantees.
With a lot of connections at the club already, the Bombers seems like a good fit for Johnson.
“I was lucky enough to play a lot of footy with Nate [Caddy] last year at the Knights and school [Parade College],” he said.
“I played at school with [Isaac] Kako well. Jade Gresham being a Knights boy as well and Ricky Dyson [who coached Parade] has stepped in to do the VFL [Victorian Football League] midfield at Essendon.
“It makes the transition a lot easier with a lot of familiar faces.”
Johnson started his football at Epping where his dad played and was senior coach. He then moved to St Mary’s.
Despite not testing at the combine following a shoulder injury, Johnson’s performances in 2024 were proof of his quality in the midfield and off half back, boasting elite foot skills and decision making.
Johnson claimed best afield honours as he led Parade College to a second straight Herald Sun Shield victory, highlighting his big game credentials following a debut for Vic Metro as a bottom-ager in 2023.
He didn’t have long to let it settle in that he was an AFL player, he joined training on Friday morning.
“I got to go to the club today [Friday] which was unreal,” he said. “I loved every minute of it.
“It was a really good. As I come back from shoulder surgery I just did running and sort of met the physios and got my plan for rehab and everything.”
Johnson said he will miss some things in the pre-season as his shoulder recovers, but will still be able to complete a whole heap of activities.
With the rest of the draftees arriving on Monday, things will kick off in full force for Johnson.
“I want to make sure I get my shoulder right and continue to learn as much as I possibly can with team meetings and that sort of stuff.”
